7 Ways Volunteering Can Make You a Better Person

We are all busy – that is a fact. With obligations at work or school and in private lives, sometimes it’s hard to find time for anything else. However, neglecting yourself can lead to dissatisfaction and depression so having a worthwhile cause will be a great benefit both to you and the community. 

Basically, doing good and helping others improves your wellbeing and mental health. This is something you can do for as long as you want and in a way that will compliment your life. And these 7 reasons show why volunteering will make you a better person, as well as bring you health and happiness.  

 

• It builds new relationships 

 

Volunteer work is what keeps the community together. You will meet a lot of new people and some of them will even become your friends. Through your dedication, you will help other people and animals which will show you that even the smallest deed can make a difference. 

But above else, it will get you closer to your community and help you develop your social skills. Also, consider volunteering with your family to set a positive example for your children. By helping others, you will also enact change in your life that will teach you to feel good about yourself. And that is a great lesson to instill to your kids. 

 

• Out of your comfort zone

 

When you decide to volunteer, you embark on a journey to the unknown and unpredictable. This escape from your comfort zone will show you new experiences and situations giving you a chance to change for the better. Volunteering will bring different people into your life, each with their life circumstances and stories that can serve as valuable guidance. 

Furthermore, it will open other possibilities for you, like making you braver to take a chance in your life or gain more respect for what you already have. It is an excellent self-growth tool that will improve the world around you and at the same time, yours as well. 

 

• Learning something new

 

Volunteering can also help your career by giving you a new skillset or improving the existing ones. Additionally, you will work with institutions and organizations that might offer you a permanent position or benefit your career through recommendations. This is a valuable break to train in something different as well, especially if you want to change your job.

However, you can also use your already honed skills in your volunteer work. If you are a veterinarian, you will be a great help at animal shelters. Or, if you have experience in sales and marketing, you can start a campaign to collect money for a cause. 

 

• Volunteering will fulfill your life

 

Volunteering is a great way to make your life more interesting and disrupt monotone days. For example, help plant trees, join the big sibling program or play with dogs at the animal shelter. These volunteering ideas will help you break the daily routine and bring more joy into your life.

In turn, you will feel more energized and motivated which will boost your creativity and productivity at work. But more importantly, it will teach you to be grateful for the person you are and cherish the things you have. Selflessly serving those in need will bring a sense of self-fulfillment that is going to make you a better person in both your personal and professional life. 

 

• You will travel the world

 

The rest of the world needs your help as well which is a great opportunity to volunteer abroad and join a cause. From marine conservation work in Thailand to building homes in Brazil, you will meet different cultures and improve less fortunate communities. You will get to explore the world while at the same time turning into a better place.

Teaching children in schools and kindergarten is always needed in areas affected by poverty where there is no proper education for the young ones. However, disaster relief work and especially support to refugee camps is necessary for regions in conflict zones and natural catastrophes. Moreover, volunteering abroad offers many more chances to gain new experiences and learn more about yourself and the planet. 

 

• You gain different perspectives

 

With new people and new experiences comes the change of perspective. Seeing people and animals in their vulnerable state gives you an insight into your own life and the way you lead it. So, you will have a chance to change things and become the best version of yourself. 

Empathy is one of the most important abilities you can improve when volunteering which will teach you to see past prejudices. Everyone has a story to tell, you just need to be ready to listen and understand it to learn compassion and let go of biases.  

 

• Good for body and mind

 

There are many benefits for the body and mind in volunteering. If you are working on renovations or teaching sports to children, you will become more physically fit. And when it comes to mental health, you will get a healthy boost of happiness from helping others. 

Through volunteering, you will become more socially included and be able to fight off depression. Working with animals has proven to be especially useful to reduce stress and anxiety, while generally doing good will improve your self-confidence and self-esteem. 

Lastly

Volunteering will make you a better person by helping you understand how much love you have within yourself. You will learn and grow in your efforts to help others creating so a better world for the generations to come.